County Clerk
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Topic:  Licenses

Subject:  Marriage

Marriages licenses are obtained from the County Clerk's Office in the Courthouse at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403. The following information must be shown at the time of application:

1. CERTIFIED copies of birth certificates are required for all applicants, regardless of age. Hospital copies will not be accepted. If you are a legal immigrant, you must show a green card, or if you have become a citizen of the United States, you must show your citizenship papers.
2. A social security number is required for both the bride and groom.
3. PROOF OF RESIDENCY and PICTURE ID, such as a current driver's license, state ID card, Passport, etc. Application must be made in the county where either the bride or groom is a resident. (If living out of Wisconsin, you must apply in the county where the ceremony will take place.)
4. If previously married; death certificate, divorce judgement papers (a six-month waiting period is required after your divorce before you can apply for a marriage license) or court annulment certificate.
5. If you are under the age of 18, a consent form must be signed by both parents or legal guardian.
6. Application must be made between 5 and 30 days prior to the wedding (not more than 30 days before, and not less than 5 days before). In certain circumstances, a waiver may be issued to obtain a license in less than five days for an additional $25 fee.
7. Fee: $100.00.
8. Both the perspective bride and groom must make application in person.
9. Once a marriage license has been issued by the County Clerk: WI Stats. 765.16 - The marriage may be validly solemnized and contracted in this state only after a marriage license has been issued therefor, and only by the mutual declarations of the two parties to be joined in marriage that they take each other as husband and wife, made before an authorized officiating person and in the presence of at least two competent adult witnesses, other than the officiating person.
10. The officiating person who marries the bride and groom will file the original marriage license with the Register of Deeds office in the county where the marriage took place, so an official marriage document will be on file with the State of Wisconsin.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  (Open during noon hour.)  If coming at the end of the day, please arrive by 4:15 p.m.

Click here for a list of judges and court commissioners who can perform weddings.